Among the 2013 VW Beetle convertibles unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show was this limited-edition heritage model. / Chris Carlson, AP

by James R. Healey, USA TODAY

by James R. Healey, USA TODAY

Volkswagen uncovered the Beetle convertible in a trio of unique "launch" colors that will go out of production when 1,000 are produced.

The brand-new but not-unique version of the Beetle ragtop hits showrooms in December, starting at $25,790. No limit on making that one.

The convertible styling differs slightly from the hardtop Beetle and the folding top car sits slightly lower. The top can be operated while the car is moving up to 30 mph. Many convertibles lock out top movement if the car's underway.

The top drops in a quick 9.5 seconds and goes up in 11 seconds, VW says. Those times are about half what it often takes on other folding-top cars.

The three unique versions all have standard leather interiors rather than the normal VW leatherette (fancy vinyl). The unique trio and the eras they are meant to represent: